Temple of Heaven Park - Qinian Gate

天坛公园-祈年门

The Qinian Gate is the main gate of the Qinian Hall. It is a hip roof building with five rooms, three rooms in the middle are gates, and stone railings are the highest level of gates in ancient China. The middle gate of the Qinian Gate is used exclusively by the Emperor of Heaven. The emperor enters and exits through the left (east) gate, and officials enter and exit through the right (west) gate. The building is an original from the early Ming Dynasty.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Temple of Heaven Park, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京市东城区天坛公园)"

  • History: The Gate of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年门, Qínián Mén) serves as the main entrance to the sacred central area of the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán), historically where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties passed through during annual ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest. The structure dates back to the 15th century and has been restored several times to maintain its original architectural style.
  • Architecture: The gate features traditional Chinese architectural elements: red lacquered walls, golden roof tiles, multiple tiers of eaves, and intricate decorative carvings. Its design reflects imperial grandeur and ceremonial importance.
  • Cultural Value: The gate symbolizes imperial authority and the connection between heaven and earth. It is a key part of the ritual path leading to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿, Qínián Diàn), embodying traditional Chinese concepts of harmony, ritual, and cosmic order.
  • Other Information: Visitors often photograph the gate from the central walkway to capture the symmetry and grandeur. Its alignment with the Hall of Prayer emphasizes the ceremonial axis of the Temple of Heaven complex.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "06:00 – 21:00 (April to October)
    06:30 – 20:00 (November to March)"

  • Ticket Price: "Adult ¥35 (Park Entrance)
    Children 6-18 & Seniors 60+ ¥15
    Combined ticket for Hall of Prayer, Imperial Vault, and Gate area ¥15"

  • Best Photo Spots: "Front view along the central path capturing symmetrical design
    From slightly elevated angle showing the gate with Hall of Prayer in background
    Early morning for soft light and fewer visitors"

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: "The Peninsula Beijing (北京半岛酒店)
    Hotel Éclat Beijing (北京瑰丽酒店)"
  • Mid-range: "Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing (北京王府井铂尔曼酒店)
    Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen (北京东直门智选假日酒店)"
  • Budget & Boutique: "Beijing 161 Wangfujing Hotel (北京161王府井酒店)
    Liuhua Courtyard Hostel (留华四合院旅馆)"

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: "Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
    Jianbing (煎饼)
    Zhajiangmian (炸酱面)"
  • Famous Spots: "Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (全聚德烤鸭店)
    Da Dong Roast Duck (大董烤鸭店)
    Local snack stalls near Tiantan East Gate (天坛东门小吃)"

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Miniature Temple of Heaven models, postcards, traditional fans, jade or ceramic charms, and embroidered silk items.

Transportation

  • Subway: Line 5, Tiantan East Gate Station (天坛东门站), ~5-min walk to the gate.
  • Bus: Routes 41, 210, 34 stop near Tiantan Park East Gate.
  • Taxi / Ride-hailing: Direct to Temple of Heaven East Gate (天坛东门), parking available.
  • Walking / Cycling: Park is pedestrian-friendly with bicycle rentals available near entrances.

Nearby Attractions

  • Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿, Qínián Diàn) – 0.3 km, walkable inside park
  • Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇穹宇, Huáng Qióng Yǔ) – 0.8 km, inside park
  • Echo Wall (回音壁, Huíyīnbì) – 0.5 km, inside park

Tips for Visitors

  • Walk along the central ceremonial path to fully appreciate the gate’s symmetry.
  • Morning or late afternoon visits avoid the crowds and capture the best lighting for photography.
  • Combine the visit with Hall of Prayer, Echo Wall, and Imperial Vault for a complete experience.
  • Respect park rules; do not climb on historical structures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes; the park is extensive.
  • Bring water and sun protection during summer months.

Recommended itineraries

  • Route 1 (Half-Day Temple of Heaven Visit):
    Entrance → Gate of Prayer for Good Harvests → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests → Echo Wall → Exit
    Transportation: Walk inside the park
  • Route 2 (Full-Day Beijing Culture & History):
    D1: Temple of Heaven Park → Lunch at Wangfujing area → Visit nearby historic hutongs
    Transportation: Walk inside park; taxi or subway to Wangfujing
  • Route 3 (Two-Day Historic Tour):
    D1: Temple of Heaven Park → Gate & Hall of Prayer → Stay overnight at nearby mid-range hotel
    D2: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park → Return to hotel
    Transportation: Subway or taxi between attractions; walk inside park

User Reviews

By Meow~ |

Golden chrysanthemums bloom to celebrate the birthday of the emperor, and the dragon soars to the prosperous era to sing a



The 11th Beijing Chrysanthemum Culture Festival opened on September 13 and lasted until mid-November. Nearly 600,000 plants/pots, nearly 800 varieties of chrysanthemums and various flowers were displayed in six exhibition areas including the Temple of Heaven Park, with a total area of ​​more than 150,000 square meters.



The theme of the Tiantan Park branch venue is "Golden Chrysanthemums Bloom to Celebrate the National Day". There are 6 exhibition tents on the southwest side of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, mainly displaying varieties of chrysanthemums. At the same time, there are various types of chrysanthemums on display, including large upright chrysanthemums, cliff chrysanthemums, shaped chrysanthemums, multi-headed chrysanthemums, and desk chrysanthemums, with a total of more than 2,000 pots.



Combined with popular science propaganda, various special activities are carried out: targeted recruitment for chrysanthemum science popularization, guided tours of chrysanthemum and rose sister flowers, etc. 20 display boards educate tourists about the history of chrysanthemum cultivation, poetry, cultivation, varieties and other chrysanthemum cultural knowledge in the Temple of Heaven.

By Swirling Water |

It is also tall and majestic, and the caisson is also very beautiful.

By Love blue bear |

As you enter the rear hall, a solemn atmosphere hits you.

By The Moon Rises Over the Sea |

The Qinian Gate of the Temple of Heaven Park should refer to the dividing line between the human world and heaven.

By Highbury Flutter |

Located at the north end of Danbi Bridge, the closed door in the middle is where the gods go. Inside are the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

By Uncertain |

The trail leading to the Qinian Gate is the same as the Long Corridor in the Summer Palace. You go up without noticing, and it is said that the drop is about 4 meters.

By l Kezi |

2017.2.6 I took Liangzi on a winter vacation trip. Our first stop was Beijing. We visited the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. It was a great cultural experience.

By Spring is coming |

The Prayer Gate of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven is located in the

By Wind Array Fox |

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is different from the one in the photos: When it comes to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, it must be a place that everyone has seen, although it is more often seen on TV and in photos, but it has been seen after all, a building that looks like a "pavilion", but it is just a big pavilion. But when you really see it, you will find that it is very different from the photos and TV, because the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the photos is mostly taken from a very close distance, so it looks very wide and "fat", giving people a sense of stability, but in reality, it is actually more like a "tower", a thicker tower, much slimmer than the one in the photo.

By ChuChoYin |

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the representative building of the Temple of Heaven. You need to buy tickets for each of the several scenic spots in the Temple of Heaven. When buying tickets, you can buy a package ticket, which allows you to visit various scenic spots in the Temple of Heaven. With a valid student ID, you can enjoy a half-price discount. It is really cost-effective. Moreover, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is really beautiful! It is my favorite ancient building in Beijing.

By Xia Jie |

Beijing's Temple of Heaven Park is a must-visit place for everyone. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is so majestic that people look up to it.

By swallow |

Standing on the Temple of Heaven, I felt that heaven and earth were one, and I felt how insignificant I was.

By Haihe River |

Part of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Of course, it should be viewed together with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

By Purple Orange |

The Temple of Heaven is a witness to Beijing's history. The Qinian Gate has witnessed the historical changes of the Temple of Heaven and guards the Hall of Qinian.

By Im~Water |

Beijing is for the purpose of looking for historical sites, and the main purpose of visiting scenic spots is to pay homage to them.

By Deep and Quiet |

The Temple of Heaven is actually the place where the emperors of ancient times came to offer sacrifices to the heavens, so it was built to be grand and majestic. It is really grand, and the emperors would have to leave if they came! The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the most iconic building in the Temple of Heaven, and it is exactly the same as what you see in textbooks.

By An Qi |

The main center of the Temple of Heaven is also the representative of the Temple of Heaven, but the ticket only allows one entry. Once you leave, you cannot enter again. When I finally returned, I had to go around in a circle.

By Smile calmly |

I don't have a deep impression of the Qinian Gate.

I still remember the road leading to the Qinian Gate clearly.

The road is straight and wide.

At least six carriages can run side by side.

One can imagine the style of emperors in the past.

By Miss.M |

The Qinian Gate is the main gate of the Qinian Hall. It is a hip roof building with five rooms, three of which are gates. It has a stone railing and is the highest level of gate system in ancient China. After passing through the Qinian Gate, you can reach the Qinian Hall.

By Glutinous Rice Balls |

A very worthwhile place to visit. You can take nice photos nearby.

By Xiaodie |

I think several places in the Temple of Heaven are quite nice.

By Small zinc |

The Qinian Gate is located in the Temple of Heaven Park. It is the main gate of the Qinian Hall courtyard and the highest level gate system in ancient China.

By Meng-M-Meng |

The main gate of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the middle gate is reserved for the Emperor of Heaven, the emperor enters and exits through the left gate, and officials enter and exit through the right gate. It is said to be the original gate from the early Ming Dynasty.

By John Xie |

It should be regarded as the main building of the Temple of Heaven. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests looks very majestic.

The round one is made of wood.

You can see it from a long distance.

The large pillars in the hall are very tall and majestic.

I could touch it at will before.

Now it seems to be protected.

I don’t know whether the awareness of cultural relics protection has improved or the quality of visitors has decreased.

By Fairytale CORN |

You still need to walk a lot in the Temple of Heaven Park. The area is also very large. So you still need a certain amount of physical strength to walk to this place.

So we kept complaining that it was quite tiring for the emperor to offer sacrifices to heaven. I finally came to visit the place I had always seen in textbooks when I was a child.

By Tannins |

The door of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests? You are not allowed to enter the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Let's just assume it is the plaque of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a major symbol of Beijing. Of course, there are some things to pay attention to when taking photos. It would be best to include the plaque of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the photo, but there are usually too many people under the plaque, so it is difficult to get a good view. It is recommended to run farther away and regard the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests as a distant view. In this way, you can also enter the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and the composition will be more beautiful. Generally, the best position is on the steps, with people standing on the steps close to the bottom and the person taking the photo standing on the flat ground behind.

By Qin Wu Feiyang |

The scenery is nice and the woods are dense, it is worth a visit.

By Pigeon |

The Temple of Heaven Park is where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to heaven and prayed for a good harvest every year.

By |

Temple of Heaven Park is a must-see attraction, no reason why!

By Qingfeng Tuying |

It is one of the main attractions of the Temple of Heaven Park. People who come here to play will come here to visit and take pictures. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests was first built in the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. It was rectangular. It was changed to a round three-layer eaves in the Qing Dynasty. The top is blue, the middle is yellow, and the bottom is green, which symbolizes heaven, earth, and all things. There are 28 large pillars in the hall, four of which represent the four seasons. The 12 pillars in the middle circle represent the 12 months. The outermost 12 pillars represent the 12 hours.

By Sea Breeze Boat |

The Qinian Gate is a gate in front of the Qinian Hall. The Temple of Heaven scenic area is divided into two parts: the park and the ancient buildings. A combined ticket is required to enter here.

By Lhasa Wanzhong |

It is very grand and spectacular, and you can truly feel the might of the dragon vein of the Chinese Empire here.

By yf890312 |

The Qinian Gate is the main gate of the Qinian Hall. It is a hip roof building with five rooms, three rooms in the middle are gates, and stone railings are the highest level of gates in ancient China. The middle gate of the Qinian Gate is used exclusively by the Emperor of Heaven. The emperor enters and exits through the left (east) gate, and officials enter and exit through the right (west) gate. The building is an original from the early Ming Dynasty.

By Floating Years |

The real gate of the Temple of Heaven. It was raining when we went there.

By Deep in the Clouds |

Autumn in Beijing is really beautiful. I came here once many years ago, but this time it felt completely different!

By A unique pig |

I don't know if it's because the price of Temple of Heaven is high that I think this park is good. The ticket price is 15